700 Children's® – A Blog by Pediatric Experts

Posted by: Jennifer Kosla, PCPNP, DNP on Aug 01, 2025

Bug bites are not just annoying—they can be harmful too. Some bugs carry germs that can make people sick. Using insect repellent helps keep bugs away, so your child can play safely.

Read More
image of a teen girl and her mom drinking coffee
Blog

How to Talk to Your Kids About Drugs and Alcohol

It is important to start talking to your children about alcohol and other drugs before they are exposed, as early as age 9.

A smiling baby lies on their stomach facing the mother, as they engage in joyful eye contact and interaction. The baby wears a striped outfit and the woman leans close with a loving expression, highlighting a moment of bonding and early communication.
Blog

Baby Talk vs Parentese: How to Talk with Your Baby

Your baby is already learning to talk just by listening to you! Discover the difference between baby talk and parentese, and get expert tips for building your baby's language skills through everyday moments, songs, gestures, and fun interactions.

Health e-Hints

Health e-Hints Newsletter

Stay up-to-date with the information you need for your child by subscribing to our free Health e-Hints e-newsletter. It’s customized for your child.

Sign Up

All Topics

Browse by Author

Your Information

About this Blog

Pediatric News You Can Use From America’s Largest Pediatric Hospital and Research Center

700 Children’s® features the most current pediatric health care information and research from our pediatric experts – physicians and specialists who have seen it all. Many of them are parents and bring a special understanding to what our patients and families experience. If you have a child – or care for a child – 700 Children’s was created especially for you.

View All Author Bios

Latest Posts

Diabetes Nutrition Tips for the Holidays

Nov 12, 2015

Mashed potatoes, stuffing and pie, oh my! The holiday season brings lots of carbohydrate-heavy meals and sweet treats to the table, which can be intimidating for someone with diabetes. Read More

teen heroin abuse

Teen Heroin Abuse: How to Recognize the Signs

Nov 03, 2015

Virtually all serious drug abuse problems begin during the teen years and, for those at risk, exposure to opiates prescribed for pain increases the chances for opiate abuse later in life. The risk for abuse is even greater when teens 14 and younger receive these medications for pain. Read More

Indoor Activities for Kids When the Weather Gets Cold

Oct 22, 2015

As a developmental Physical Therapist, one of my jobs is to help kids become and remain active. But as a parent, I know the struggles of keeping kids active, especially during the upcoming cold, wet season. Read More

Does the Sight of Blood Make Your Child Feel Faint?

Oct 15, 2015

If your child feels faint when they see blood, Halloween is probably not your favorite holiday. The reaction may be caused by vasovagal syncope – the term for a rapid drop in blood pressure and heart rate which can trigger fainting. Read More

Pierced Ears: How to Prevent Painful Infections

Oct 13, 2015

Thousands of kids get their ears pierced each year. Generally, ear piercing is a safe procedure, but a common complication is infection. Here’s what you need to know to help keep your little one’s ear piercings healthy and infection-free. Read More

Spleen Injuries in Sports - What Parents Need to Know

Oct 06, 2015

Although rare, splenic rupture is the most frequent cause of death due to abdominal injury in sports. It occurs most commonly from direct trauma to, or a fall onto, the left side of the lower chest wall or abdomen. Read More

The Importance of Tummy Time

Sep 22, 2015

As a new parent, you’ve probably heard the term “tummy time” and been told it is an important part of your baby’s development. Read More

Child with headphones on.

Universal Newborn Hearing Screening

Sep 15, 2015

Before babies are born, they use their hearing to listen to the sounds around them. Listening specifically to speech and language sounds in the first few months of their life is what prepares babies to speak. Read More